So Many Snow White Movies

Today the latest trailer for an upcoming film based on the classic fairytale, “Snow White” was released which features Julia Roberts playing the Evil Queen. You might be scratching your head and asking yourself, “Isn’t Charlize Theron playing the Evil Queen in this new Snow White movie?” Well, she is too. There’s actually two new films based on the same fairytale and they’re both coming out next year. I don’t really know why, but the fact is audiences will be getting two new interpretations of the story to view, and hopefully they won’t be a failed attempt like the revamped version of last year’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The first film featuring Theron as the Evil Queen is called, Snow White and the Huntsman and also features the one and only Kristen Stewart as the title character and “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman sent to kill Snow White by the Queen. A lot of people have already complained about Kristen Stewart being in the film. It seems that after the “Twilight” films most people find her annoying and depressing (and also lacking in general talent). While that may be the case I don’t really mind her much. Yet having her play Snow White seems a bit of a stretch. Just based on the trailer I’m not seeing any indication she’s going to do this role any favors. And can anyone really say she’s anywhere near being considered the “Fairest One of All?”

The second adaptation featuring Roberts as the Queen is called, Mirror Mirror and has singer Phil Collins’ daughter, Lily Collins playing Snow White, with that dude who played the Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network,” Armie Hammer, playing Prince Charming. This adaptation looks more on the comedic side, with The Queen trying to marry the prince, whereas the “Huntsman” one looks more serious, Theron’s Queen more menacing and evil, while Roberts appears to play it more snarky and petty.

I was excited when I first heard about a Snow White adaptation. But both these films, based on their newly released trailers, don’t look so good. I guess I was hoping for something relating more to the animated Disney version from 1937, which neither of these films try and recreate. In a way that’s a good thing, but at the same time I’m not sure I’m happy with the directions they decided to go. If I had to choose, I’d say I’m more inclined to see, “Mirror Mirror” than “Huntsman.” Whether they are any good will be left to be seen; “Mirror Mirror” is out March 16, 2012 and “Snow White and the Huntsman” on June 1, 2012.

– Jose Vera